Bangladesh and Indian Govt ready for Dhaka-Kolkata train service in 3 months: adviser

The government is prepared to launch Dhaka-Kolkata train service in three months, communications adviser Ghulam Quader said on Thursday.

‘It may take three more months to start the Dhaka-Kolkata train service. We have taken all preparations on our side,’ he told reporters after a meeting with Indian high commissioner in Dhaka Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty.

Train link between Dhaka and the capital of India’s West Bengal state was scheduled to start in April and then in July or August, 2007, about 42 years after it was snapped following war between India and Pakistan.

Railway and government officials of both the countries exchanged trips by train on test run to Dhaka and Kolkata last year and had a series of talks to finalise the fares and security arrangements.

But the launching of regular service has been delayed due to differences relating to India’s proposal to build metal tunnel on the borders for security reasons.

Asked whether the disputes were now over, the newly-appointed adviser said the issue would be settled through government-level discussions soon.

The authorities had already sent the bilateral rail service agreement to the Indian counterparts for renewal.

‘Both the countries have arguments on construction of metal tunnel in their favour. …..However, everything has been kept ready on our side for launching the rail service,’ Quader added.

Officials said Bangladesh made all preparations including rehabilitation of rail lines and renovation of stations to start the service smoothly.

‘Bangladesh Railway is prepared to launch the commercial train service between Dhaka and Kolkata. Renewal of the agreement is now pending with Indian authorities,’ a senior official of the communications ministry told New Age.

He said the trial run of the non-stop train service, which would take around 11 hours to travel the 375-kilometre route, would be started soon.

Bangladesh and India signed an agreement in 2001 to resume direct rail service between Dhaka and Kolkata. A series of meetings had already taken place at different levels between the two governments over the years.

Kolkata and Dhaka are at present connected by air and bus services.

The proposed fare for a one-way journey by train is $8 for a seat in an ordinary coach, $12 in the air-conditioned coach and $20 in the sleeping berth. Initially Bangladesh Railways will run a train with the capacity to carry 300 passengers.

To ensure passenger safety, 20 security guards will be deployed in each train and close circuit cameras will be installed at the departure points.

As part of the preparation for the rail-link, construction of broad gauge rail-line from Joydevpur to the Dhaka Cantonment was completed.

Source: Newage